PORT TECHNOLOGY
Digitizing the Dock How Wabtec’s Port Community System is reinventing global supply chains
E mpty shelves, delayed deliveries, and rising costs have made supply chains front-page news. From cyber- attacks and global conflicts to pandemics and port congestion, disruptions have exposed just how fragile and interconnected our logistics networks really are. The world has learned that when one link breaks, the entire chain feels the impact. In this high-stakes environment, real-time visibility and rapid response are no longer luxuries; they’re mission-critical. That’s where digital platforms like Port Optimizer ™ , pion- eered by the Port of Los Angeles, are reshaping how ports and stakeholders manage complexity, anticipate disruptions, and keep cargo moving. From bottlenecks to breakthroughs Originally launched as a real-time visibility tool, Port Optimizer evolved rapidly during the pandemic. The Port of Los Angeles introduced the Control Tower, a suite of modules designed to help stakeholders navigate the unpredictable sup- ply chain landscape. As import volumes first plummeted and then surged to historic highs, the port used data to pinpoint bottlenecks and take swift, informed action. A digital backbone for resilience At its core, Port Optimizer consolidates data from across the supply chain into a single, intelligent platform. This integration enables: • Faster decision-making • Proactive communication • Better alignment of people and resources By leveraging historical trends, real-time updates, and predictive analytics, the Port of Los Angeles can anticipate volume fluctuations, whether driven by tariffs, pandemics, or geopolitical disruptions. Tools that drive performance Control Tower provides high-level metrics and KPIs, including:
The future of port logistics The success of Port Optimizer highlights a broader truth: the future of supply chains depends on communi- cation, coordination, and collaboration. All powered by data and technology. As global trade continues to evolve, ports that embrace digital transformation will be best pos- itioned to lead. But leadership starts with action. Ports must begin somewhere, based on their current level of digital maturity. Whether it’s implementing basic visibility ...digital platforms like Port Optimizer™, pioneered by the Port of Los Angeles, are reshaping how ports and stakeholders manage complexity, anticipate disruptions, and keep cargo moving.
• Truck turn times • Cargo dwell times • Current and future cargo volumes • Rail & truck velocity metrics • Historical views
These insights empower stakeholders to coordinate more effectively and respond to challenges with agility and precision.
October/November 2025 — PACIFIC PORTS — 45
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